Drew Boswell

a place for us to share ideas, talk about life, and learn together.

Just Say “No” to Precious Moments Bibles; Choosing the Right Bible for your Children

Jessica could not understand why her ten year old daughter kept leaving her Bible at home, or at church, or under her bed. Margaret had always been a very responsible child, and had read that Bible cover to cover hundreds of times since they gave it to her at her baby dedication.  So mom sat daughter down for a talk about responsibility and taking care of ones things.

But not long into the discussion it became evident that Margaret loved her church, Sunday School class, and even reading the Bible — but the Precious Moments Bible was too “babyish.” Jessica knows that after this talk with her daughter that she needs to buy her a new one, but after over an hour in the Christian book store looking at over forty children’s Bible she doesn’t know which one to buy.

Where to Begin?

When we are discussing choosing the right Bible for us or our children, they generally fall into three categories:

  1. Literal translation. Attempts to keep the exact words and phrases of the original. It is faithful to the original text, but sometimes hard to understand. Keeps a constant historical distance. Examples: King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB).
  2. Dynamic equivalent (thought for thought) translation. Attempts to keep a constant historical distance with regard to history and facts, but updates the writing style and grammar. Examples: New International Version (NIV), Revised English Bible (REB).
  3. Free translation (paraphrase). Translates the ideas from the original text but without being constrained by the original words or language. Seeks to eliminate historical distance. Readable, but possibly not precise. Examples: The Living Bible (TLB), The Message. [1]
As an adult I personally prefer the English Standard Version (ESV) study Bible, but this is not the best choice for my children (right now). They are not ready for all the study notes, maps, and almost five pounds of weight! Younger children will begin with a “free translation” such as The Beginners Bible by Zondervan and as they mature move toward a “dynamic equivalent” translation with study notes or graphics.
Can My Kids Read It? 

1) The first thing (other than doctrine of course) to consider is readability.  If your child is reading on a first grade level and you give him him a Bible written at the seventh grade level it will be a struggle for him to read it. The child may grow frustrated and will dread “having” to read the Bible.  The best Bible for your child is one that they can read all by themselves. Which means that parents should be evaluating if their child’s Bible is age appropriate every year.  It may also be too easy because they have outgrown it.

How Will It Be Used? 

2) Another thing to consider when choosing a Bible for your child is how it will be used.  If you are focused on encouraging them to have a devotional time at home then you may give them a devotional Bible. These types of Bibles will more than likely only have some of the stories of the Bible such as The Bible in 365 days. But when they get to a worship service or even Sunday School they may not be able to find the specific text that is being studied that day. So if you are about to load up the minivan and go to church you may want to encourage your child to grab
their 252 Backpack Bible or something similar.

It will also be easier for your child to have the same translation that is being taught from.  (Sorry, “KJV only” people). You can also ask their Sunday School teacher which translation they use — this may be helpful in your decision making process.

Is It Cool? 

3) Also consider if it is a Bible they would want to read? This is what I will refer to as the “coolness” factor. Margaret didn’t want to carry around a pink Precious Moments Bible because it was not cool for her to do so.  It may be a full dynamic equivalent and contain all of the Bible but it’s Precious Moments. So, not only does the doctrinal content matter, but if you want your kids to carry and habitually read their Bible then you have to consider the outside cover.

David C. Cook publishing knocks this idea out of the park with “The Action Bible.”  It is the Bible written as a comic book. Simply awesome. Also, swallow your pride and consider that what you think is cool, may not be what your kids think is cool. It may be worth a trip to the local Christian bookstore with your child and pick it out together. If you do this regularly, it could be a way for you to discuss your child’s relationship with Christ.

If you are really confused, that’s ok. The big idea is that you are seeking to guide your children toward God, and he will bless your actions. Remember to lead by example; let them see you reading your Bible, and discuss with them what you are reading. Also, one of the best ways to make this habit stick is for the family to have a regular time of Bible reading and prayer.

 


 

 

 

 

[1] see http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Bible/BibleType.htm

The Second Temptation of Christ; Matthew 4:5 (Pride)

In the second temptation of Christ, whereas God had led Jesus into the wilderness, the Devil took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. If it were up to Satan, he would snatch and take us all, but God’s way is to lead us. [1] God guides and leads us gently into a path of righteousness, he is not like Satan that snatches and forces to get his way.

The destination is referred to as “the holy city” instead of its proper name Jerusalem. Why, does God desire to highlight the city as being “holy?” To be holy is to be set apart, and to be dedicated to God, or to be used for a special worshipful purpose. Jesus was taken to the height of the city that was dedicated to God, yet was sinful, corrupt, and did not understand the things of God. It’s leaders, Jesus called vipers, and snakes, and it’s people would eventually kill Him. The city’s purpose was to be set apart with the law, and to be distinct from the world, as a holy city.

The world would be drawn to it’s light, and it’s special and unique relationship with God. It’s original intent was to point a lost world to the one true God. Instead it has turned inward, and hates non-Jews, except where the relationship will improve their economic situation. Jesus is overlooking a city where worship was fallen, it’s people were sinful, and had corrupted His Word. Jesus knows that He has come to save them, to correct their interpretations of the Word, and to show them how God truly is.

Matthew4:5  “Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

Again, Satan uses the phrase, “If you are the Son of God,” instead of “Since you are the Son of God.” He is trying to drawn him into showing others that He is the Son of God. The pinnacle of the temple was very high and would have been seen by most people in the court who had come to worship.

Jesus quotes Scripture to pass the first temptation, so Satan beats Him to the punch by trying to out quote him. He quotes a passage from Psalm 91 (sort of). Angels would come and attend to Him later (v. 11), so why is it wrong for angels to help Jesus here? The jump, with angels catching would have been a spectacle to see, and would have drawn a following. [2] So why not?

Matthew 4:7 “Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

First, Psalm 91 (at least Satan’s misquote) is focused on trusting God, “to dwell in the shelter of the Most High,” as it were. We are to rest in Him, while the world around us is in chaos. Jesus comes back with a quote from Isaiah (7:12). If Jesus were to jump off of the temple in a display of greatness, would not have been brave or a show of faith — but would have been outside of God’s plan that had been set before Jesus (including the cross, miracles, teaching, etc). How would Jesus begin His ministry? For Jesus to jump, would have been prideful. He would have begun His public ministry in pride, apart from the Father’s direction.

pride: running ahead without God. trying to do everything on your won.

How then are we to do ministry? What can we learn from Christ and this passage. There will be a constant temptation to put on a spectacle in order to attract a crowd. That event, billboard, website, post card, etc that you think would be so cool, may just be you jumping off the temple and expecting God to rescue you.  It could be completely outside of God will and plan for your ministry. So how do we know that the idea is ours verses God’s? This is the basic and foundational Christian precept.

We are to abide in Christ and “hear His voice.” If you can’t determine between yours and God’s then you need to keep listening until it is clear. [3]  Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days and nights and was without sin — I am a dreadful sinner who is completely corrupted by my sin. Would it really be that much of a stretch to say that we may need to spend more time with God before we roll out that new program, idea, or “feeling,” we had yesterday. Slow down, pray, and submit to the voice of our Father.  Stop trying to impress everyone and wait on God to do that for you.  Jesus was successful because he followed the Father perfectly. My only hope is to follow as close as I can, and cry out for mercy.

[1] Psalm 23:3 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

[2] What would have the followers of this Jesus have been like? Would they follow His example by being shot out of cannons, jumping off of tall buildings, or giving away motorcycles at church? Uh-oh. The church and it’s members get into trouble when the point becomes being spectacular and drawing a crowd instead of listening to the voice of God and accurately handling His Word. (2 Timothy 2:15)

[3] John 10:1-5

 

Isaac’s First Day of Preschool

Yesterday was Isaac’s first day of preschool, he was only three days late (sighhhh). He awoke on Monday with a case of the strep. But now he is back in full swing, and his worm stayed on the green apple the whole week (ok, two days).  First Baptist Church’s Preschool directed by Terri Warren is wonderful! They truly do a great job, and love the children. It is so exciting to Kimberly and I to know that he is being taught to love the Lord, and getting ready for Kindergarden.

The First Temptation of Christ; Matthew 4 (Trust)

When we journey through the book of Matthew we land in chapter four where we discover that Jesus is led (by God) into the wilderness for the expressed purpose to be tempted.

Matthew 4: 1-3 “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”

First, why does Jesus need to be alone during this temptation? We see later that He will be strengthened through this time (even as he has fasted for forty-days and forty-nights.) But when we face temptation, it is a completely solitary event. Surrounded by thousands of people, when we face temptation, it is completely between us a our Creator in how we deal with it. Temptations are extremely private affairs. The consequences may be public, but at the moment of temptation, there are just two people present (the Creator and his creation).

Why does Jesus need to fast during this time (so that we follow His example? So that He would be weakened?) We see that He is again fulfilling Scripture as he went through this time of temptation. Just as the Israelites had been in the wilderness for forty years, Jesus’ fasting pushes us back to ancient Hebrew history.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3 “And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Whereas God’s people had failed and rebelled in the wilderness, Jesus would remain faithful and would follow God where ever He led Him.  God led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted. God led the Israelites into the wilderness in order to take them to the Promised Land, and to teach them to rely upon Him (to test their heart). The first generation did neither, but the second Adam [1] would always do both. Whereas other men and generations had failed, Jesus would not.

Having some time to think about how he would tempt Christ (about thirty years), The Accuser (i.e. the devil) began by saying, “If you are the Son of God. . .” Does Jesus feel like He needs to show others who He is? Sure He does, he has just been baptized and God spoke from heaven. The cats out of the bag, so to speak. Why not turn the stones to bread and fill his stomach. He would perform miracles later in to order to show others who he was (the promised Messiah). Why not now? Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

Why doesn’t  the tempter say, “Since you are the Son of God, . . .” It is because he is trying to get Jesus to show others who he is (even if He is alone) on Satan’s timetable. To do what seems right at the time, apart from God’s guidance. The Israelites failed the test because they did not believe that God would feed them. Jesus knew that in order to pass the test (the right way) he had to trust God to feed Him as well (not himself). Trusting God, and not trusting himself. Man that’s a big one, I think it’s worth repeating. . . . .trusting God, and not trusting myself.

So we see Jesus’ response in verse four, “But he [Jesus] answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [2] God would speak to Him, and tell Him what to do next. So for now, he waits — forty days or so. God seems to take us to our limits before showing us the way. After all, who needs to trust God when our stomachs are full?

There will be times when you know that God has called you be be something, or to do something. Jesus was called to be the Savior of the world. Satan will try to get you to doubt this calling. Or the Tempter may try to draw you to prove to others that you have been called to do this, by displaying your “greatness” (in pride and apart from God).

You fill in the blank: “If you are a _____________ (preacher, man of God, daddy, children’s pastor), then show others your greatness and prove that you are great! Show them how wonderful you really are! If we were to boil these verses into one word, it would be trust. Who do you depend upon? Are we to make our own plans and ask God to bless it? Or do we wait, and wait, and wait (40 days for Jesus) to hear what our next move should be.

God will reveal His will (and perfect plan) in time. He will receive the glory. Don’t worry if you failed the test (again). I sure have. Jesus passed this temptation, and because of Him and His greatness, I am standing to face another day, and an eventual timeless eternity.

[1] 1 Corinthians 15

[2] Deuteronomy 8:3 “And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.“

“Going Forward and Extending the Right Hand of Fellowship” :Clear Communication With Children

I came across this excerpt from an article in some notes from seminary. I am reposting it in hopes of helping people in ministry to remember that what we say and understand, is heard and understood much differently by children.

Eugene Chamberlin, When Can A Child Believe (Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman Press, 1973)

Language of Zion: Go Forward

Child’s Traslation: Move from where one is seated to the front of the auditorium.

Your Translation: Give your heart to Jesus? No. Better try: Let the church know what Jesus has done for you.

 

Language of Zion: Commit Your life

Child’s Translation: Who knows? “Commit” is a strange word.

Your translation: Promise Jesus that you will always try to please Him in all you do.

 

Langage of Zion: Give your heart

Child’s Translation: Take my heart out of my body and hand it to someone. Send a valentine.

Your Translation: Trust Jesus to help you live the way He wants you to live every day.

 

Language of Zion: Take Jesus as Savior

Child’s Translation: Go somewhere with Jesus

Your Translation: See the translation for “Give your heart”

 

Language of Zion: Lost

Child’s Translation: Misplaced; gone; maybe taken by someone who wanted it; now knowing where you are.

Your Translation: Not trusting Jesus to save you and to help you day by day.

 

Langauge of Zion: Saved

Child’s Translation: Kept in a hiding place, like saving or dollars.

Your Translation: Trusting Jesus to forgive you for displeasing Him. A person is saved when he is willing to live for Jesus all the rest of his life.

 

Langauge of Zion: Make a Profession

Child’s Translation: Build something called a profession.

Your Translation: Let other people know that you have promised Jesus to try to live always in the way He wants you to live.

 

Language of Zion: Give the preacher your hand

Child’s Translation: Maybe shake hands with the preacher.

Your Translation: Tell the preacher about the promise you have made to Jesus.

 

Language of Zion: Privileges and responsibilities

Child’s Translation: Something they give you when you join the church or get baptized.

Your Translation: The right to vote in church meeting, the right to take part in the Lord’s Supper, the duty to help do the work of the church.

 

Language of Zion: The hand of Christian fellowship

Child’s Translation: Somebody’s hand; maybe the hand of a Christian; maybe there’s someone named Christian Fellowship . . .what a name!

Your Translation: A welcome from the people who are already Christians, usually done by shaking hands at the close of a service in which a person joins the church.

 

Language of Zion: Be baptized

Child’s Translation: Let the preacher put you under water.

Your Translation: Let the preacher put you under water to show that you are a follower of Jesus.

 

I have had children delay in receiving salvation because they thought it involved Jesus coming “to live in their heart.” They thought it would be very painful to have another person living in their heart which was small. So, I hope this helps you to think about how you are communicating with children. Now get out there and make a difference!

 

"For by grace you have been saved through faith." Ephesians 2:8

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